The stars and creator of Amazon Prime Video’s recent hit Upload materialized for Comic-Con@Home to look back at Season 1 and look ahead for the new technologies of Season 2.
In a chat with moderator Cherlynn Low, stars Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Kevin Bigley, Allegra Edwards, Zainab Johnson, and creator Greg Daniels got candid about the show’s digital landscape and its real-world connections. Upload is a quirky comedy that imagines a future in which people can be uploaded into a virtual afterlife of their own making.
Greg Daniels said the show’s concept initially planned for the show to highlight the significant switch from analog to digital devices. It wasn’t until 2014 that he began fine-tuning Upload‘s story, which became the series fans know and love today and a hit with critics and sci-fi fans alike.
One of the show’s more exciting pieces of technology was discussed as the moderator asked Edwards if she’d ever really try a hug suit. Ingrid (Edwards) used the garment to connect intimately with Nathan (Amell) in the digital world. “I think it takes a certain level of adventurous spirit to wiggle into one,” Edwards said. “I don’t know if I would go the distance.” But Amell was quick to counter, saying, “I’d try it once,” before amending that he’d have to be the first person to use it. Bigley also chimed in, joking, “I have one.”, which made the entire panel laugh.
One of the show’s other dynamics includes Nora’s fellow “angel” Aleesha (Johnson) and Bigley’s Luke, who constantly nag at one another consistently. “Luke is like a hamster who digs his cage.” Bigley shares his character’s constant need to explore and push the limits of his digital existence. “I think that Aleesha is kind of thankful for Luke,” Johnson added. “Sometimes, you’re at those jobs where they can get a little bit mundane [and] I think that Aleesha kind of needs Luke.” Based on their continued interaction in the panel, fans will likely see more of their dynamic next season since the chemistry on display is very palpable.
As for season 2, they’re in the middle of writing it, and they are interested in exploring newer technologies to push season 2 further than season one. They know season 2 needs to push that envelope.
Lastly, when asked if they’d upload themselves into a digital afterlife, only four out of six panelists agreed. Allo, Daniels, Amell, and Bigley were all for the virtual nirvana, but Johnson was quick to point out that not all afterlives in Upload were as lovely as Lakeview. Fair point indeed.
